Casino gambling legislation breezed through the New Hampshire Senate back in March and was later killed in the state House of Representatives, after a special committee drilled down into the proposed regulatory, enforcement and revenue structure that would be needed.
Less than three months later, a couple of the bill sponsors are intent on resurrecting expanded gambling this fall to generate needed revenue for roads and bridges, including funding for widening of Interstate 93.
Beyond the money generated for local and state priorities, says Sen. Lou D'Allesandro (D-Manchester), New Hampshire is missing out on an historic opportunity to grow the economy.
The other historic, stars-aligning moment is having the support of Gov. Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter), who believes one highly regulated casino in southern New Hampshire will be good for the state.
Opponents of casino gambling, led partly by Rep. Patricia Lovejoy (D-Stratham), maintain any form of casino gambling will lead to social problems and erode the traditional fabric of New Hampshire.
Read New Hampshire's casino bill that died in the House.
With Massachusetts moving closer to opening casinos, is this the last, best chance for New Hampshire to allow casinos? Let us know: Offer your insight in the comment stream below.
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